An alternative dropout-prevention program is examined from the students' perspectives. Findings from interviews and observations suggest that the program is effective in keeping the students in school but does little to help the students develop daily living and social skills. Policy implications are discussed and suggestions for future research…

Studied the field teaching experiences of 10 white female preservice teachers in an urban, culturally different school, focusing on attitudes, pedagogy, career expectations, and sense of preparedness. Findings show the positive effects of the field experience on teacher cultural awareness and sense of preparedness to teach. (SLD)

Studies interactional, pedagogical, and curricular actions that stigmatized high school students perceived as affecting their willingness to adapt to varied classrooms. Data from 49 students illustrate that stigmatized students prefer teachers who give personal attention and respect and solicit student opinions. (SLD)

Studied high-ability, high-achieving students in an urban high school over 3 years. Identifies factors that enabled these students to achieve, including belief in self, supportive adults, high-achieving peers, challenging classes, personal characteristics, and family support. (SLD)

Interviewed 38 inner-city Black and Latino adolescents in a precollege tutorial program. Findings show students' difficulties in leaving their old peer groups and embracing the idea that they could achieve in school. Addresses implications of the findings for policy, assets, and problems. (SLD)

Integrates findings from three independent studies (one national quantitative and two urban qualitative) to analyze two aspects of the teacher/student relationship: (1) how teachers and students view their mutual relationship; and (2) how this relationship affects academic achievement. All three studies highlight the importance teachers place on…

Studies gender differences in the U.S. achievement ideology for 48 gifted and 100 nongifted African-American fifth and sixth graders (59 males and 89 females) in an urban Ohio school district. Results indicate no differential determinants of underachievement by gender but show significant differences by gifted and nongifted academic programs. (SLD)

Develops an attitude formation model for the occupational and educational goals of disadvantaged African-American students, and tests it for 175 African-American male and female twelfth graders in an urban school district in New Jersey. Discusses variance in student attitudes, sex differences, and the marginalization of African-American urban…

Examined the perceptions of 70 urban and suburban African-American students regarding the influences on their decision making to participate or not participate in higher education. Findings show the importance of racial and cultural considerations and highlight the need for studying students' perceptions. (SLD)

Examines attitudes and needs of 311 Vietnamese American tenth and eleventh graders (75 Chinese Vietnamese and 230 Vietnamese) to provide information about better meeting their needs. Students generally perceive their school experiences as positive, although discrimination is felt. Implications of findings for education of second-language students…